Idaho

When we departed Jackson Hole, Wyoming last week Larry found a route we had never been on...that led us to Howe, Idaho for awesome German food at Heidi's. (Those who went to Billings in 2000 may remember this place).

Larry had set the GPS for Sunshine Village, Idaho...nothing there but a bunch of nice guys trying to make a living on raft adventures.

We rode on to Stanley, Idaho because that is the closest place with accommodations. We expected to head back to Sunshine for a raft adventure on Wednesday.

Well, that didn't happen. After we had registered at the Mountain Village motel we headed for their natural hot spring. On the way we met Jon and his son Thomas heading back to the motel. Larry and Jon got to talking and the upshot was that Jon and Thomas were there to begin a 6 day raft adventure on the Middle Fork River. Jon was SURE there were a couple of places available.

So...at 11:30 Tuesday evening we were booked on a raft adventure that began at 8 a.m. Wednesday. How is that for fast acting?

So, from last Wednesday until 4 p.m. today we have been on the Middle Fork River...thoroughly enjoying the adventure. Larry is awesome in the inflatable kayak. I stuck with the 7 person paddle raft or the guided float. We saw some awesome white water - and so many other things I am too tired to mention right now.

Bottom line - Middle Fork Rapid Transit puts on a Five Star adventure.
I'll add more later and add some photos.

Since this was our very first multi-day raft adventure we had much to learn...not the least of which is that on the Middle Fork PEOPLE may only urinate IN THE RIVER...and everything else brought in is taken out. Leave as little trace as possible. Micro trash-those are the little crumbs one would normally sweep aside. Not so in the wilderness. You pick them up and put them in a trash container.

Wanna wash your hair...wet it in the river, go above the water line, soap up and rinse with a bucket of river water. Same goes for brushing your teeth...and make sure you dilute that toothpaste you spit out.

There are approximately 10k people using the river and camping areas during the summer...you can imagine the UGH! if people didn't comply with the forest service requirements.

Taking a leak in the river was a major adjustment....and for females squatting is a tad bit more problematic than for guys. Next time I'm taking a muumuu. I think that is the way to avoid mooning others who might be wandering around or passing by in the river.

The guides usually set up the portable toilet in a scenic spot...the last evening had an especially beautiful view of the river and anyone passing!

We have GOT to get tents like MFRT has. They are a snap to put up and taken down. Small space user too.

Rafting was new to us...and with some trepidation with just jumped in! The staff was awesome. At no time did I feel afraid. Obviously Larry didn't because he opted for the 7 person paddle boat at the first opportunity. When the inflatable kayaks came out he was one of the first to volunteer....and pretty much used them for the remainder of the trip. Larry even mastered the class IV rapid...or so it looked. What he lacked in style he made up in the ability to keep the kayak afloat AND stay in it. He was ONE with the kayak!

Neither of us is physically fit...but except for being tired at the end of the day we didn't experience anything more than mild muscle aches. (Glad I had used the Wii Fit before we left!)

Food....food, and more food. I was impressed...not only with the quality of the ingredients but the talent of the various guides who were the chefs of the day. If I had eaten some of everything offered I would have gained weight.